Geospatial Analysis of Soil Properties and Their Effects on Maize and Cassava Production in Ohaji/Egbema Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study geospatially analyzed the effects of soil physical and chemical properties on production of maize and cassava in Ohaji/Egbema of Imo State Nigeria. The research adopted a free survey method of sampling soils from ten (10) different locations (communities) in the area. Auger and soil profile samplings were performed and soil samples were bulked for laboratory analysis. Sampling sites were geo-referenced using handheld global positioning system (GPS) receiver for map production and digital elevation model (DEM) of the study area. Cassava and maize yield data from 1988-2017 were collected from the agricultural development programme (ADP) headquarters at Owerri, Imo State. Data were analyzed using different techniques including laboratory studies and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Variations in properties among soil horizons were obtained using coefficient of variation, and soil properties were correlated with crops. Results indicated that some soil properties showed high variations, such that at the two sampling depths (0 - 20 cm and 20 - 40 cm), soils were strongly acidic with low values in organic matter, total nitrogen, exchangeable bases and available phosphorous. Few soil properties correlated positively with, cassava at 0.05 (Total nitrogen = 0.5333; Silt = 0.7750) and maize at 0.01 (Total sand = 0.7774; Coarse sand = 0.8742) probability levels but generally, most soil properties significantly correlated negatively with the crops in the area. Thus, the soils contained low/less plant nutrient elements for crop production enhancement. It’s paramount therefore, to improve the quality of soils and soil fertility in order to achieve sustainability of food security in the area.